When it comes to Westmoreland County high school football picks, The Birdie always delivers

By: The Birdie
Wednesday, August 21, 2024 | 6:39 PM

Purchase Photo Options

Last season: 109-29 (79%)

The Birdie wanted to make some extra money this summer so he did some DoorDash work.

His venture only lasted a week, though, because customers were reporting their food was arriving tampered with or half-eaten.

“Don’t look at me,” Birdie said. “That pizza was only a four-cut. Check your receipt.”

The Birdie claimed he needed better training — a heat week to get him ready for the food delivery business.

“The guy who ordered the pizza didn’t tell me it was full-contact week,” Birdie said. “I could have worn a helmet and shoulder pads.”

The cold brew missing its cold foam also remains a mystery, as was the party-pack of 12 tacos that arrived a 10-and-a-half pack.

“Let me check between the car seats in my Chevette,” Birdied added.

And what about that cheeseburger that was supposed to come with fries?

Finally, an admission of guilt.

“Those taters started to get cold, so I put them in the best place to keep them warm, my tummy,” he said, chuckling. “Who wants cold, soggy fries?”

The extra cash he made quickly went into his gas tank as he toured training camps in the area, but the Westmoreland prep football expert was glad he gave it the old college try.

Now, before his stomach begins to grumble again, the purveyor of pigskin delivers his Week Zero picks.

He was so excited for the start of a new season, he said he couldn’t eat.

Another falsity, and it’s only the opening week.

“I hope you’re hungry,” he said.

• Penn-Trafford at Norwin: While no-huddle Norwin is going to be improved, Penn-Trafford should show its sound rushing attack and opportunistic defense in a rivalry showdown. Penn-Trafford, 20-17

• Albert Gallatin at Greensburg Salem: The homestanding Golden Lions will have to make some defensive stops, but they should moved the ball on the ground. Greensburg Salem, 19-18

• Brentwood at Yough: Experience could help Yough, especially up front. But penalties can’t happen if the Cougars are going to preserve leads. Yough, 14-7

• Charleroi at Monessen: By showcasing its breakaway speed, Monessen will open with a victory in front of its home fans. Monessen, 27-20

• Derry at Ligonier Valley: The “Riot on the Ridge” has been a stalemate so far, but Ligonier Valley will go one-up with a big win at Weller Field. Ligonier Valley, 24-12

• Franklin Regional at Plum: Neighboring schools can often make for a defensive drag-it-out type of matchup. That’s what this game should be, with Franklin Regional making more stops. Franklin Regional, 13-10

• Greensburg Central Catholic at Shady Side Academy: Two untested defenses will have a lot to worry about in a matchup that has shootout written all over it. Shady Side Academy, 35-30

• Hempfield at North Hills: Look for Hempfield to get its running game going and control the line of scrimmage on the road. Hempfield, 21-19

• Latrobe at Connellsville: It could be a special season for Latrobe and the Wildcats will hit some big plays on the way to 1-0. Latrobe, 35-7

• Mt. Pleasant at Jeannette: Recent experience playing against the Wing-T will benefit Jeannette, but the Jayhawks will have to hang on against a power rushing attack from the Vikings. Jeannette, 28-26

• Valley at Southmoreland: A mean defense awaits Valley and the Scotties will give the unit some room to work.Southmoreland, 30-6

Tags: Albert Gallatin, Brentwood, Charleroi, Connellsville, Derry Area, Franklin Regional, Greensburg C.C., Greensburg Salem, Hempfield, Jeannette, Latrobe, Ligonier Valley, Monessen, Mt. Pleasant, North Hills, Norwin, Penn-Trafford, Plum, Shady Side Academy, Southmoreland, Valley, Yough